Upcoming Events

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After the crisis of 2008, the social contract between the financial industry and everyone else was badly broken — perhaps, it seemed, irrevocably. Since then, U.S. banks have paid out billion-dollar settlements and Congress has passed new laws, but a deeper rapprochement is still missing. In his forthcoming book, A Force for Good, John Taft, CEO of RBC Wealth Management-U.S., has gathered some of the greatest financial minds of our time to explore how Wall Street harness the immense power and innovative spirit of the financial system to be a force for good.

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Please join The Honourable Lisa Raitt at the Economic Club of Canada as she discusses the future of Canada's transportation industry. In recognition of International Women's Day, Minister Raitt will also discuss the growing presence of women in transportation, with a special introduction by Canada's Minister of Status of Women, The Honourable Kellie Leitch.

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The Economic Club of Canada, in partnership with Senator Doug Black, is pleased to present a nation-wide discussion tour promoting energy literacy in Canada, focusing on issues such as Aboriginal engagement, environmental innovation and market access. The mandate of this series is to educate Canadians on the development of our energy resources, and discuss ways in which Canada can responsibly maximize its energy resources to benefit all Canadians. Moderated by Bill Morris, Senior Managing Director and Canada President at Accenture, this series will offer guests the opportunity to interact with Canada’s top energy and business thought leaders from across Canada.

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Join us on March 25th for an in-depth discussion regarding the effects of depression in the workplace and the relationship between mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction involving memory, concentration and emotional processes. This symposium features world experts who will share new research on ways of detecting and treating cognitive impairments. Speakers include:

This symposium will run from 9:00am-1:30pm at the Westin Ottawa wherein each expert will deliver remarks, followed by an interactive armchair discussion moderated by André Picard, National Public Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail. Light refreshments and lunch will be served.

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11:45am-1:30am | One King West Hotel, Toronto - 1 King Street West , Toronto

Join us for an intimate discussion with world renowned political strategist David Axelrod as he discusses themes from his new book Believer: My Forty Years in Politics.Guided by Lawrence Martin public affairs columnist for The Globe and Mail

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Canada’s audiovisual industry means big business. The television and digital media sector is a $2 B a year industry with big talent creating big hits enjoyed by audiences at home and abroad. A wealth of Canadian productions are sold around the globe with the USA being the biggest market, followed by countries like Sweden, Switzerland, France, Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Past Events

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In this exclusive Economic Club address hear firsthand from the Governor of Coahuila Mexico & the Secretary Economic Development as they discuss the of trade, manufacturing and the idea of North American energy independence. What will the future bring and how can we work together?

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Join The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State, Western Economic Diversification, Jim Schubert, P.Eng., Director of Business Planning and Central Operations at Edmonton Waste Management Services, John F. Elliott, President and CEO of Pure Technologies Ltd. and Lawrence Novachis, CEO of FilterBoxx Water and Environmental Corporation for the Analytica Advisors release of the 2014 Canadian Clean Technology Industry Report.

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Heard of human trafficking? Not sure how it happens? Didn’t know Canadian boys and girls are being bought and sold for sex? Did you think the slave trade was eradicated 200 years ago? Think again. Human trafficking, the modern day slave trade, is alive and well in Canada. And it hurts us all. Human trafficking is the fastest growing and most lucrative criminal enterprise in Canada. In fact, a trafficker earns an average of $280,000 per year per victim in Canada. In January, Ottawa saw the first teen pimp case in Canadian history. In February, law enforcement from Alberta to Nova Scotia, launched Operation Northern Spotlight targeting pimps and johns, which also rescued under-age victims, some as young as 15 years old.

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South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will hold an informative session exploring the Canada-Carolina connection. For decades, Canada has served as an important economic development partner for South Carolina, surpassing Germany as one of the state’s top export markets, and purchasing nearly $4 billion in products in 2013 alone.

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With a population that’s growing at three times the national rate, Alberta is working to ensure its families and communities continue to have access to the programs, services and public infrastructure they’ll need in the decades to come.

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When Canada celebrates its 150th birthday in 2017, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has made it a priority to ensure that the City of Ottawa is at the centre of the action.

After government and high-tech, tourism is the city’s 3rd largest industry. Understanding this, the Sesquicentennial celebrations offer Ottawa businesses and residents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the local economy and brand the city as the best place to visit, live, work and raise a family.

Just as Vancouver owned the 2010 Olympics, Quebec City owned its 400th anniversary, and Toronto will own the Pan-Am Games in 2015, Mayor Watson and the City’s 2017 Task Force are working hard to ensure Ottawa can own 2017.

Mayor Watson will provide an update on the 2017 Task Force’s accomplishments to date, as well as outline how the City will build momentum in the months ahead through new initiatives

Through the 2007 federal Renewable Fuels Strategy and capital investment, Canada has built a strong foundation for renewable fuel products and technology. Now is the time to leverage this success and take it to the next level.

“Evolution and Growth” is the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association’s vision and action plan to ensure that Canada capitalizes on the full potential of its natural biomass and delivers more of the sustainable fuels and products that Canadian consumers want and need.

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With a municipal election underway, a federal election around the corner and provincial election looming overhead, it’s safe to say the political landscape in Canada is more exciting than ever. Who will take the crown? Who will surely drown? Which of the top players will stick around? Join our panel of experts as they weigh in on these questions and so much more at this Economic Club exclusive.

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Charles Sousa was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

He is currently Ontario's Minister of Finance and has previously served as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, Minister of Labour and as a member of the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet.

He has also held the positions of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development & Trade, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Government & Consumer Services and member of the Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs.

Before joining government, Charles worked at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Financial Group for more than 20 years. Among his roles were Director of Business Development - Commercial Financial Services, Director of Government & Community Affairs promoting RBC's strategic initiatives and Senior Manager of Marketing at RBC Dominion Securities’ head office. Prior to working at the bank, Charles owned and operated a factoring company that offered financial services to small businesses.

Charles Sousa grew up in south Mississauga and lives in Clarkson with his wife Zenny and their three children.

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Do you think you know what cancer patients really want? Can you identify the gaps in Canada’s cancer care system? Are you aware of the ways that patients themselves are coming up with their own solutions to fill these gaps?

- The Federal Reserve’s response to the U.S. housing crisis, the global financial crisis and subsequent economic downturn.- The aftermath of the global financial and economic crisis and the progress towards a more sustainable fiscal environment.- The Federal Reserve’s use of conventional and unconventional monetary tools since the crisis- The prospects for long-term U.S. economic growth and key risks going forward.

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Join a seasoned group of experts from both the Diplomatic core and financial core for an interactive armchair discussion regarding emerging market economic trends in 2014 and beyond. Emerging markets are major players in global economic growth and The Economic Club of Canada is pleased to welcome, H.E. Francisco Suárez Dávila, Ambassador of Mexico to Canada, Mr. Pedro Fernando Brêtas Bastos, Ambassador of Brazil to Canada, Dr. Warren Jestin, and Mr. Pablo Bréard moderated by Gillian Riley, Senior Vice President Commercial Banking, Scotiabank.

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Alberta is a powerhouse in the Canadian economy, with natural resources and the energy sector driving much of that growth. The vitality of Alberta’s economy attracts many Canadians searching for new opportunities. Alberta has been growing at a rate of a small city every year, and it is anticipated that it will continue to do so for at least the next ten years.

With this rapid growth come many challenges, challenges which fall directly on Alberta’s municipalities as the front line service providers. These growth pressures most directly affect municipalities that cannot afford to pay for the necessary infrastructure to support such an influx. International private sector investment seeking to relocate business within communities, take into consideration many factors such as the services available and quality of life.

Housing, water and wastewater, infrastructure, policing, emergency services, and family and social assistance are just a few examples of what municipalities are expected to deliver without the corresponding growth in resources.

Municipalities are responsible for the quality of life of their citizens and the quality of services they provide, but from where does the funding come to support these vital services? And at what cost to municipalities as they struggle to keep pace with insecure and infrequently received funding?

Listen to AUMA’s President Helen Rice as she shares how the very things that make Alberta one of Canada’s most advantaged provinces also create such insurmountable challenges to municipalities.

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Alberta’s wealth didn't occur by accident. There is a misconception that since Alberta’s always had the resources, the capital will just keep coming. This belief is patently untrue and dangerous to Alberta’s economic future. Alberta didn’t come into its enviable economic position because of geology or geography. It wasn’t low exploration and development costs. It certainly wasn’t the weather. It was a stable political regime, economic certainty and investor confidence. Today, these advantages are eroding in Alberta and posing a serious risk to our long-term economic health. Thanks to a series of questionable political decisions, investor confidence is shrinking, the regulatory burden is growing and, as a result, capital is leaving. Changes must be made in order to reverse these trends and re-establish a stable economic framework that attracts investment and ensures the only economic risks are posed by the market itself, not by the provincial government.

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Join a seasoned group of healthcare professionals for an armchair discussion regarding mental health in Canada. What can we do to raise awareness of these mental health issues and how can we create an environment for citizens suffering from these illnesses to feel safe enough to talk? This discussion will look at cross disciplinary approaches to observe mental health and draw on best practices.

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Please join John Tory, candidate for Mayor of Toronto, as he outlines his jobs and growth plan for Toronto. John will speak about the importance of having a coordinated effort to expand Toronto's economy. He will outline a set of priorities which will tap into Toronto's strengths, and a strategy which will foster jobs and growth. Investing in our people, Toronto can chart a bright course for the future.

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The Honourable Michael de Jong, British Columbia’s Finance Minister brings two decades of political experience in Canada’s westernmost province to bear on the need for provinces to strengthen their fiscal house and secure our country’s economic future:

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Express Employment Professionals, one of the largest privately held staffing companies in North America, along with leading research firm Harris Interactive, have conducted a study of the unemployed in Canada.

This is the first of its kind research project on the unemployed, employment insurance and the job situation outlook. The survey gauges the unemployed’s willingness to work, understanding what motivates their job search, and how hopeful they are to find a job.

The survey was administered to 1,502 Canadian residents age 18 and older who are unemployed but are capable of working, whether they receive unemployment insurance or not.

The State of the Unemployed in Canada is the first in a series of news releases and research projects by Express called Canada Employed that explore different aspects of who gets hired and why. The series will provide valuable news and information from the ground level about employment and unemployment throughout the country.

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Canadians love technology and expect businesses to embrace new innovations to deliver seamless delivery of products and services. According to a new study from the Martin Prosperity Institute, small businesses relying on cash payments significantly limit business growth, innovation and face higher hurdles the longer they wait to accept electronic payments. Join Don Tapscott, one of the leading authorities on innovation, media and the economic and social impact of technology, discuss the impact of emerging payments on the future success and prosperity of small businesses across Canada and the opportunities for the public and private sector.

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Join TMX Group CEO Tom Kloet for an exploration of capital formation in Canada – the opportunities and the barriers. From the smallest private start up to the largest mega-cap multinational, companies need efficient access to capital to help them grow and succeed and contribute to Canada’s economy.

From microfinancing, crowdfunding, private markets, venture capital and public exchanges, Mr. Kloet will speak about the capital ecosystem in Canada and how its vibrancy and diversity is critical for the country’s future success.

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As CHEO celebrates its 40th anniversary in May, CEO Alex Munter looks ahead to the next 40 years. There is great promise in pediatric medicine — from promising new cancer cures to unlocking the mysteries of the human genome. There is also great vulnerability, as Canada faces the next big health care crisis. Everyone is talking about the "silver tsunami". Alex talks about the aftermath.

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For a Canadian retail investor, a unit holder in a pension or mutual fund or a company seeking to raise capital, recent media headlines relating to our capital markets are confusing, if not alarming: “The markets are rigged”, “High Frequency Trading is a cancer”, “The venture capital industry is broken”, “Firms go public too early”, …

Leveraging a body of work initiated at the end of 2012, Jos Schmitt, President & CEO of Aequitas Innovations, will look past the headlines and share his insights on the real issues, and the need for industry-driven, innovative solutions to restore confidence in Canada’s capital markets.

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The Insurance Industry is facing a concerning trend: Canadian life insurance ownership has been on the decline. This combined with an aging sales force and fewer new agents entering the field poses a serious threat to the Industry and the Canadian population.

Richard Hekeler, LIMRA, and Laura Dawson, Dawson Strategic, discuss the impact and risks of underinsurance and the importance of maintaining strong relationships between advisors and consumers.

Life insurance companies are key contributors to the Canadian economy and provide a vital social safety net. It is in everyone’s best interest to identify and address any adverse trends.

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The panel will explore the new Cannabis industry: the scale of market opportunity in Canada, changing access regime and international experience. Through the patient and healthcare provider prospective the panel will discuss what’s medically effective and socially acceptable in today’s society. The panel will analyze the new MMPR program and Canada’s role as an early adopter of the medical Cannabis access regime that’s creating a billion dollar industry- Will the world follow?

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Olivia Chow, running to be our new mayor, will speak about innovative economic development for our city. She'll outline specific ways we can create jobs and prosperity by working with and supporting our dynamic private sector.

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Escalating auto insurance fraud, excessive red tape in the system, rising costs of health care – these are just some of the issues that Ontario's auto insurance companies are focusing on to address the cost of auto premiums for consumers. Listening to the needs and concerns of thousands of Ontario consumers over the last two years is helping the industry find innovative solutions and develop a plan they will take to regulators and newly elected and re-elected politicians. To learn more about the problem and the direction the industry is proposing, join us as Don Forgeron addresses the Economic Club of Canada.

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Ontario has been hit hard over the past decade as the province grapples with recessionary drag, lagging economic growth and an alarming, steady exodus of manufacturing. While there’s no single silver bullet solution to Ontario’s economic malaise, North America’s golden age of natural gas can provide a vital jumpstart. For proof of energy’s role in spurring growth and competitiveness, we need only look to the southern side of our border, where states like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York are rebounding – and redefining their production-cost advantage, thanks to abundant, affordable natural gas.

Ontario’s proximity to prolific shale gas basins offers similar competitive advantage, so why the disparity? Ontario native and Spectra Energy chairman, president and CEO Greg Ebel will provide his perspective on closing Ontario’s competitiveness gap, incenting vital private sector investment, and the public policy framework and leadership needed to restore productivity and prosperity to the province.

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Canadian Radio-Telvision & Telecommunications Comission (CRTC)'s Chairman & CEO Jean-Pierre Blais will discuss the activities that the CRTC is undertaking to improve the security and safety of Canadians citizens through their communication system.

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Thomas Lukaszuk is running for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative party. As a former provincial minister, he has been involved in many of the issues facing Albertans. Join us as he talks about economic opportunities in the province and announces his policy on economic diversification. Thomas will also take your questions on any topic you care about.

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Mr. McIver will discuss the economic competitiveness of Alberta, now and in the future. Our positive business environment, including competitive corporate taxes, low personal taxes and a strong labour force, plays a key role in ensuring Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada.

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Providing health care has evolved from an individual activity to a team activity. Care has become more specialized and new types of providers have emerged to address unmet patient needs, leading to fragmentation in the health-care value chain. Patients need systems of care that provide greater continuity, greater coordination, and greater access to a broad spectrum of services.

Worldwide, health-care systems are working to address “universal truths”: costs rising faster than economies; limited capacity to raise taxes to pay for health care; rising expectations about quality; and new treatments that are expensive and require more coordinated delivery.

Traditional business concepts such as minimum efficient scale, operational pooling, lean thinking, and integration have important implications to effective health-system design in a way that is responsive to these facts.

Dr. Apkon will provide a framework for thinking about health-care systems, implications of business principles, and a vision to provide the right care, at the right place and the right time.

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Every day, approximately 500,000 Canadians are absent from the workplace due to a mental health condition. How do employers foster a psychologically healthy and inclusive work environment that allows for individuals to feel safe enough to seek support from their superiors and how do managers obtain the tools to address mental health in the workplace and offer timely and confidential assistance? Join a seasoned group of experts for an armchair discussion regarding mental health in the workplace.

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The Economic Club of Canada, in partnership with Lundbeck Canada, is pleased to present a national awareness campaign and corporate challenge initiative as part of a “coordinated assault” to change the face of healthcare in Canada. Many organizations are unaware of the massive hit on their bottom line as a direct result of mental illness, such as increased drug costs, absenteeism, presenteeism, disability claims, decreased productivity and other issues related general cognitive “fog”. In an effort to raise awareness about important issues for employers, the Economic Club of Canada will implement an educational event series with a call to action to get employers involved with a national mental wellness corporate challenge.

Special guests: Margaret Trudeau & Her Royal Highness Mary, Princess of Denmark

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Canada has a problem: our most important national resource can only be sold to one buyer. The answer is to open access for Canadian oil to more markets, but to date that debate has focused only on how to send bitumen via pipelines onto tankers - a solution rejected by many Canadians, especially First Nations. The Hon. Stockwell Day, Senior Advisor and Chair of the Advisory Committee for Pacific Future Energy Corporation (PFE) will speak about how PFE plans to bridge that gap and ensure Canadians responsibly benefit from their resources for decades to come.

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It has never been more important to our future prosperity to acquire substantial new sources of energy; this will require a new generation of innovation. Energy demand is increasing at unprecedented rates, particularly in the developing economies. Each one of today’s available energy sources has a downside -- cost, risk, environmental harm -- and, without a breakthrough, the world's economic future is threatened. There is an answer. Hugh MacDiarmid, Chairman of the Board of Terrestrial Energy and former President & CEO of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, says Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology is the most exciting innovation in nuclear energy today and may create game-changing energy opportunities for the world -- and for Canada’s nuclear industry.

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What kinds of skills do young Canadians need to get a job – and build satisfying and productive careers?

It’s one of the most hotly-debated issues in Canada today. Join Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, as he looks at the evidence on Canada’s future education and labour market needs, drawn from reputable and reliable sources. Mr. Davidson will take you behind the scenes to university campuses today, and describe how universities are preparing young people for innovative and collaborative workplaces. He’ll talk about programs that provide students with the ability to think critically and work collaboratively. He’ll illustrate how universities provide workforce experience, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership training. And he’ll talk about what more Canada needs to do to produce university, college and trades graduates that meet today’s labour market needs, and position our country for a globally competitive future.

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Genomes are made out of DNA and contain the “code of life” of any living organism. The work of cracking these codes is unleashing innovations that are helping to address some of the most critical challenges facing the world today, including food security, adaptation to climate change, energy demand and human health. Through a sustained and focused investment of more than $2.3 billion in genomics over the past 14 years, Canada finds itself among world leaders in this field. Further, we are now perfectly positioned to reap the social and economic benefits enabled by this revolutionary technology across all sectors of the life science-based industries, collectively constituting the bio economy. Genome Canada President and CEO, Pierre Meulien, will discuss this game-changing field of science and technology and what it means for Canada.

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Jeremy Rudin became the Superintendent of Financial Institutions on June 30th of this year. In his first public address as Superintendent, Mr. Rudin will set the stage for his seven-year term and provide insight into how he plans to approach the challenges of regulating and supervising Canada’s federal financial institutions in today’s increasingly complex and global environment.

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The Province of Ontario has signed Strategic Mandate Agreements with each of the universities, providing direction and focus for the future. These agreements offer both a framework for differentiation and an incentive for co-operation among institutions and collaboration with local regions to foster economic growth.How will this function? What are the possible impacts for the future? Looking at Carleton University as an illustration, this talk highlights the challenges facing universities as well as the possibilities for future development.

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Canada has been an early leader in Internet adoption and access. But, this advantage is slipping. Other industrialized economies are leaving Canada behind as businesses under-utilize digital technologies and miss out on the contributions they can make to employment, GDP growth, and economic competitiveness. A panel of representatives from leading Internet companies will discuss the importance of the digital economy to Canada’s future growth and what Canada can do to maximize the benefits for businesses of all sizes and types.

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Canada’s economy is poised for growth – but can we realize our full potential? Our country's railway infrastructure ties us to our largest trading partner, the United States, but it also connects Canada to the rest of the world: exports such as Canadian grain are just as likely to end up in a steamed bun in Beijing as in a baguette in Bordeaux. Innovation is the key to a successful global supply chain. Keith Creel, Canadian Pacific’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will tell CP’s story, while highlighting innovations that could help Canada to diversify its markets in an increasingly competitive global economy.

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Minister Fast will discuss the recently released Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP) and how it is creating jobs and opportunities through trade. GMAP focuses on core Canadian strengths, aligns Canada's trade, development and foreign policy tools to advance commerical interests around the world and sets concrete targets to grow the presence of Canada's small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets.

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The Economic Club of Canada is proud to present the 3rd Annual Voice of Hope Gala, recognizing extraordinary humanitarian achievements. The Economic Club of Canada created the annual Voice of Hope Award in 2012 as a way to acknowledge outstanding humanitarians who are making a difference across the globe. The gala is an unforgettable evening hosted in our nation’s capital, featuring inspiring stories, live entertainment, gourmet food and an audience comprised of Canada’s business and political elite.

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Join the ECC for a luncheon in tandem with Tech Day on the Hill- an exciting event designed to dramatically demonstrate to lawmakers and staffers the power and passion of the tech industry’s grassroots network.

Traditionally, there has been a large disconnect between the tech industry and lawmakers - why ? Paul Zikopoulos, Vice President of Big Data for IBM’s Information Management division and Bruce Croxon, Co-Founder and Digital Investor for Round13 Capital, will discuss some of the obstacles those in the tech industry face in communicating with the Government of Canada, and the importance of embracing big data.

Costa Rica: Beyond a natural paradise! One of the hottest location for business in Latin America. This small country at the heart of the American Continent has a thriving economy and is one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America. Also, Costa Rica has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign investment being considered by leading companies as the "the Silicon Valley of Latin America".

Today, Costa Rica boasts three sophisticated and highly productive sectors: advanced manufacturing, services and life sciences, with more than 250 high-tech multinational companies operating in the country that inlcude leaders such as St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, IBM, P&G, Western Union, Hospira and Intel Shared Services, among others. Canadian companies as Gildan Activewear and Konrad Group have laid down their business roots as well in this economically thriving country.

The Economic Club of Canadain collaboration with I.E.Canada, the Canadian Association of Importers and Exportersand the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal invites you to attend a business luncheon in honour of His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic in the presence of The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

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The role of charities in the Canadian economy has been undervalued by business, government and arguably by charities themselves. However, the sector is now so large and expanding so rapidly that its opportunities it creates for business and government can no longer be ignored.

In Canada, as in most developed economies, the charitable sector is a significate component of national income (8 + % of GNP); a big employer (10+% of employment) and is growing faster than the economy as a whole. This growth is driven by demand and value. Fundamental economic and demographic realities mean that demands for health and social services, culture and recreation are growing rapidly – and these are precisely the areas in which charities specialize and excel.

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500,000 Canadians will not go to work today because of mental illness.

In an effort to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace, the Economic Club of Canada has partnered with Lundbeck Canada to bring an educational event series with a call to action to get employers involved with a national mental wellness corporate challenge. It is part of a coordinated assault to change the face of healthcare in Canada.

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Join our expert panelists and Jr. Economic Club students, in a discussion on the importance of financial literacy education and personal money management. Explore the current work being done in this area and analyze what still needs to be done in order to make every Canadian financially literate.

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Club Coffee is a Canadian company with a story that dates back to 1906. However, the most compelling chapter in its history is being written today. Since 2012, Club has successfully targeted the explosively-growing market for single-serve coffee through products that meet the consumer interest in value and innovation. It recently filed a $600 million lawsuit against industry giant, Keurig Green Mountain, to ensure that Canadian consumers can continue to have choice in the marketplace when it comes to their morning cup of coffee, tea or other hot beverages.

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Ed Clark will share his perspectives on housing challenges in the GTA. His address coincides with an important meeting of the GTA Housing Action Lab -- stakeholders exploring sustainable solutions to housing affordability.

Effective November 1, Ed will retire as Group President and CEO of TD Bank Group. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, is a past Campaign Chair for United Way Toronto, and provides support to WoodGreen Community Services and to Egale's Youth OUTreach crisis centre for LGBTQ2S homeless youth.

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Canadians have more reasons to be concerned about Crohn’s and colitis than anyone else in the world. One in every 150 Canadians suffers from Crohn’s and colitis, the two most common forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a rate that ranks among the highest worldwide. Families new to Canada, predominantly those of South Eastern Asian descent, are developing Crohn’s and colitis for the first time – often within the first generation. These diseases are escalating in children at an alarming rate, especially those under 10 years old. In Ontario, over the past 15 years, the number of children with IBD has increased by more than 40%. With an expected 10,200 new diagnoses every year, in addition to the nearly quarter of a million Canadian living with Crohn’s and colitis, these diseases are becoming common in Canada. IBD is more than twice as common as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease and is about as common as Type 1 Diabetes or Epilepsy.

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Join the EC on November 21st, 2014 as we host the 2014 Canadian Energy Summit in Calgary, Alberta. This annual Summit brings together policy makers, industry leaders and senior government officials from across North America for an in-depth look into Canada’s energy future with a focus on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The full day agenda will feature an extensive list of panelists, including several federal and provincial minister’s and CEO’s who all have comprehensive knowledge about a range of topics and issues relating to energy policy.

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One in five startup companies fail within their first five years. A recent study from Intuit Canada found that lack of financial literacy skills is one of the major barriers affecting the success of entrepreneurs. The Startup Canada Financial Literacy Committee was established to provide advice to government officials and entrepreneurs about the severity of the financial literacy gap and aims to undertake private sector-led initiatives to reduce this gap.

Join a seasoned group of panelists to learn about the challenges startups face and how to create more resilient, high-growth companies. This panel discussion features: Commissioner of FCAC, Lucie Tedesco; President of Intuit Canada, Jeff Cates; VP of Corporate Citizenship at Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, Cairine Wilson; Chair of the Startup Canada Task Force, Laura O'Blenis; moderated by former BNN Anchor, author of best-selling book Why Mexicans Don't Drink Molson and Startup Canada Board Director Andrea Mandel Campbell; with opening remarks by The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance).

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On October 1, 2014 the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers announced its new President and CEO – a former MLA from Saskatchewan, Tim McMillan. Neither a petroleum engineer, nor a geologist, Mr. McMillan may seem an unconventional choice as he assumes the position of spokesperson for Canada’s oil and natural gas producers. Or is he?

The oil and gas industry is a driving force in the Canadian economy, and will have a critical role to play in the energy future of Canada, North America, and beyond. There are unprecedented growth opportunities in Canada’s energy sector, but also significant challenges amidst watchful and oppositional activists. With a focus on continuous improvement through ground-breaking technology that advances its environmental, health and safety performance, industry needs to continue to shift its civic engagement to more direct and meaningful conversations beyond the technical sphere if it is to overcome the battle with BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) opponents.

During this session Mr. McMillan will highlight the economic impact of the oil and gas industry in Canada and the innovative leadership in environmental and safety performance by Canadian producers to provide markets with responsible oil and gas. Perhaps more importantly though, he will highlight his position on how the industry must foster a sense of pride in order to shift public perception and build a stronger energy dialogue to benefit all Canadians.

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This interactive panel will discuss the new cannabis industry, exploring such topics as the scale of market opportunity in Canada, the changing access regime and the international market experience. Through the patient and healthcare provider perspective, the panelists will discuss what is medically effective and socially acceptable in today’s society, analyzing the new MMPR program and Canada’s role in the billion dollar industry of medical marijuana.

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Substance abuse affects millions of Canadians, whether directly or indirectly. It costs our society billions of dollars per year. It causes harms to individuals, families and communities. It is a matter worthy of public discussion, policy debate, and political action.

The good news is that substance abuse is preventable and treatable, and recovery is a reality for many. This means that, with the right treatments and supports, Canadians who suffer from this brain disorder can move beyond addiction and take back their place in their family, at their workplace, and within their community. But in order for this to happen, as a society we need to move beyond the stigma that currently exists around alcohol and drug abuse.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse is proud to bring to the Economic Club four noteworthy Canadians to enhance our collective understanding of substance use disorders – including the scientific research angle, as well as personal journeys from addiction to recovery.

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Premier Christy Clark will share the story of British Columbia’s success in growing the economy, and the next steps her government will take to unlock BC’s potential as Canada’s gateway to the fast-growing countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Canadian investors have been riding a wave of good returns in fixed income and equities over the past five years, but as interest rates are set to rise and stocks looks at least fully valued, how well-prepared – and well-informed – are they? Are their financial goals and retirement plans realistic, and are they taking the short-term actions that will help them get there?

Leveraging the results of the BlackRock Global Investor Pulse survey – the largest survey of investor attitudes and behaviours in the world – Noel Archard will investigate the realities and concerns of Canadian investors today, the challenges they face in reaching their long-term financial goals, and the implications for the investment industry and policymakers.

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There is great momentum building in Canada to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of Canadians to make responsible financial decisions. In April 2014, the Government of Canada appointed Ms. Jane Rooney as Canada’s first Financial Literacy Leader to direct the development of a National Strategy.

Hear firsthand about Ms. Rooney’s approach to coordinating and collaborating with organizations across Canada on a national strategy to strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians. The development process includes three phases of consultations to seek input from the public and interested organization, which will help ensure the strategy will meet the needs of all Canadians. Get insight into the unique financial needs of priority groups, including Aboriginal peoples, newcomers to Canada and low-income Canadians.

The National Strategy for financial Literacy will be released in 2015. What will be the future of Canada’s financial literacy effort and how can we work together to achieve our common goals?

15

The Ontario Economy and the Activist Centre: Practical, Progressive and Fair Solutions to Create Growth.

In her first election as Liberal Leader, Premier Kathleen Wynne earned a majority mandate to build Ontario up and give the people of the province greater opportunity and security. As 2014 draws to a close, Premier Wynne reflects on the past year and looks ahead to 2015, examining the challenges and opportunities ahead and outlining how her government is leading from the activist centre to develop practical solutions.

15

Human Trafficking is happening every day in Canada. Victims are targeted by predators who make between $260,000 - $280,000 per victim per year. The profits made from human trafficking are second only to the profits criminals make in the drug trade.

Traffickers target our youth in the Toronto area and the public needs to know how they work to protect their families and their communities from this horrific crime.

Canada's leading anti-trafficking advocate, Joy Smith, will speak about how it happens right here in the GTA and surrounding areas. Mrs. Smith will be joined by survivors who will tell their stories of how they were trafficked and how they escaped to reclaim their lives.

22

Coordinated and led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Informing the Future: Mental Health Indicators for Canada is the first-ever national-level set of indicators that identifies and reports on the mental health of Canadians.

This pioneering project aims to reveal the current landscape of mental health of Canadians and start discussions on how to improve mental health across the country. Using innovative approaches to monitoring, synthesizing, and reporting on mental health, Informing the Future: Mental Health Indicators for Canada uses the best available data to provide policy makers, healthcare administrators and practitioners, and others with the information they need to bring about change to current mental health policy and practice.

27

As the Government prepares for an election year Budget, Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair will lay out his practical plans to help Canadian families, work with business leaders, meet the challenges of the next generation and build a sustainable future.

28

Federal investments in Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) have helped ignite innovation in health care across Canada. These investments are delivering improved patient care, boosting efficiencies and taking advantage of trends and emerging technologies to improve the patient experience. At the same time, these investments are creating jobs and economic growth right across this country.

Join Michael Green as he talks about the numbers for digital health – the sector’s contribution to GDP and job creation, including the impact of the most recent federal grant to Infoway; the dollar value of benefits that have already accrued to Canadians and our health care system from telehealth, drug and diagnostic imaging systems and clinician electronic medical records; details about the growth of health information technology companies and their exports; and prospects for the digital health sector for 2015 and beyond.

29

The City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Economic Club of Canada, presents the Third Annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

This event will award four exceptional individuals who were born outside of Canada and who now make Ottawa their home. Recipients contribute to Ottawa's economy and serve as an inspiration to new Canadians to start their own businesses.

3

Did you know that Canada is taller than it is wide? As much as 40% of Canada’s landmass and 50% of the Canadian coastline is in the Arctic. With increased global attention “North of 60”, how much of Canada’s future depends on our attention to this immense region and the people who call it home?

In partnership with the national Inuit organization, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (translated: Inuit are United in Canada), the Economic Club of Canada presents All-Inuk armchair discussion aimed to explore regional perspectives on the vast opportunities and complex challenges for economic development in the Arctic, including highlighting areas of success and ongoing work. In addition to this remarkable panel, introductions will be delivered by First Air's Vice President, Bert van der Stege.

Ticket holders for the luncheon will be eligible for a 10% discount for ITK’s annual premiere, networking event, A Taste of the Arctic, on March 10th at the NAC, and the luncheon will also feature a sealskin fashion show and silent auction/purchasing opportunity.

4

Today, more than one in four Canadians has diabetes or prediabetes. If nothing is done, by 2020, it will be one in three. This burden affects not only on those with diabetes, but all Canadians: in 2015, diabetes will cost Canada's healthcare system and economy almost $16 billion, and climbing.

Better prevention of type 2 diabetes, as well as preventing diabetes complications such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure in both type 1 and type 2 patients, is essential to curb the burden of diabetes overall.

While diabetes is a serious disease, one can live a healthy life with optimal self-management, including a care team, medications and education. However, we must also consider impacts of the larger environment, including food security and emotional support for those with diabetes.

The vision of the Canadian Diabetes Association for the Diabetes Charter for Canada is a country where people with diabetes can live and contribute to their full potential. The Charter has been signed by more than 20,000 Canadians, and the forthcoming Charter Indicators Report will provide a benchmark for the state of diabetes in Canada, as well as providing a road map for changing the course of diabetes.

5

Canada has one of the safest transportation systems in the world. But that doesn’t mean things can’t be safer. To that end, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recently released it 2014 Watchlist which identifies those issues posing the greatest risk to Canada's transportation system. The goal is to create a “blueprint for change,” focusing the attention of the regulators and transportation industry on the key problems that need addressing today.

TSB Chair Kathy Fox will speak about what happens when safety isn’t managed effectively, why investing in safety makes good business sense, and how the Watchlist can prove to be a valuable tool—especially in the wake of the high-profile tragedy in Lac-Mégantic, and public concern over the shipment of flammable liquids by rail.

6

Today’s most successful economies are those with cities serving as leading hubs for creativity and innovation, and beacons for talent and investment. Increasingly, the decisions with real impact on economic growth are made not just in a country’s legislature, but also in its city halls.

At a time when Canada is facing economic uncertainty, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will lay out a vision for how our nation’s cities can provide the path to stable, long-term prosperity. That vision is for a Canada where modern, livable, and entrepreneurial cities are supported as robust economic engines - attracting highly-skilled talent, young families, and new employers from around the world.

9

The Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, will speak to the Economic Club of Toronto about the government’s plans to balance the budget by 2017-18. Minister Matthews will outline her mandate to review the government’s spending with the view towards transforming delivery of public services while improving outcomes for people.

19

Leaders believe that positive societal change can be achieved by creating learning environments that not only encourage students to run with their ideas but provides them with the resources to do so.

Premier Kathleen Wynne, Sheldon Levy, Ryerson University's President & Vice Chancellor, and a panel of entrepreneurs will engage in a conversation about the importance of investing in a new model for education.

27

As Canada nears its 150th anniversary, the opportunity for Canadians to seize our moment in history has never been better. Canada has weathered one of the worst economic recessions with steady economic growth and employment and today we boast the most educated work force in the developed world.

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